It is no secret that the healthcare industry is one of the most data-dependent sectors. Healthcare providers count on patient data to provide appropriate care, deliver accurate diagnoses, and develop personalized treatment plans. In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone significant digitization, resulting in the growing importance of data exchange and interoperability. However, this also means that protecting sensitive patient information and maintaining data privacy has become more critical than ever.
Enter the concept of information blocking, an occurrence that restricts the flow of patient data between healthcare providers and electronic health record (EHR) systems. Information blocking impedes data access, exchange, and use, making it challenging for healthcare systems to provide optimal patient care.
What is Information Blocking?
Information blocking occurs when an entity, such as a healthcare provider or health IT developer, intentionally limits the accessibility, exchange, or use of electronic health information. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines it as “a practice that is likely to interfere with access, exchange, or use of electronic health information unless the practice is required by law or one of the three exceptions identified in the Cures Act.”
The 21st Century Cures Act was signed in 2016 to accelerate innovations in health technology and transform the healthcare industry’s delivery system. The Cures Act’s “information blocking” rule is designed to eliminate practices that impede data accessibility and the sharing of patient data necessary for patient care.
Impact of Information Blocking on Healthcare
Information blocking has a significant negative impact on the healthcare industry. It leads to inefficient care delivery, duplication of tests and procedures, and missed or delayed diagnoses. It also inhibits care coordination, which could affect patient outcomes and increase healthcare costs.
Generally, information blocking creates frustration for patients who must navigate a fragmented healthcare system. It also undercuts efforts to improve public health and advance medical research.
Why Healthcare Providers Engage in Information Blocking
Information blocking is problematic for patients, yet some healthcare providers still participate in this practice. Various factors contribute to this occurrence, such as the fear of competition and the need to retain market share. Providers who hoard information effectively limit their competitors’ access to patients, which could promote business growth.
Lack of trust among providers and patients can also contribute to information blocking. Providers may not be willing to share information about their patients with others due to concerns about conflicts of interest or the need to protect themselves from liability. Patients might be hesitant to provide access to their health data to providers due to privacy concerns, particularly if they think their information could be used against them.
Conclusion
Information blocking is a significant issue in the healthcare industry, and it directly affects patient care. Healthcare providers must work together to eliminate this practice, as patient health outcomes rely on the seamless flow of health data. The 21st Century Cures Act’s information blocking rule provides a framework for addressing this issue, but healthcare providers must also be willing and committed to working together to ensure patients receive quality care. Ultimately, the elimination of information blocking will promote greater efficiency, collaboration, and trust among healthcare providers, resulting in better patient care.
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